Traditionally, integrating an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution with project management software involves linking two different solutions using a third-party integration service. While that approach can work, it comes with downsides. Any changes to one system can impact the others—sometimes in ways that are not immediately visible—and a lack of real-time data can make it difficult to access the data you need. As a project manager (PM), you might have to switch between ERP and project management software, and clunky integrations often mean you must engage in redundant, error-prone manual data entry.
At Trimble, we’ve created a powerful solution to enable the flow of data between financials and project management.
Trimble Construction One provides the ERP, integration and project management software in a unified system, ensuring data flows seamlessly and securely. No other software provider can provide this full suite of integrated tools for construction management under one roof.
Let’s look at some of the benefits of streamlined integration between accounting and project management software:
1. Build trust between accounting and operations teams
With no integration or a limited connection, accounting and operations teams often doubt that correct information is coming from every member of the team. With real-time data flow between the two systems, job costs sync every hour in the ProjectSight budget, allowing project managers to see the actual costs for their project from the ERP, track what’s being paid out and use that data to make more informed decisions. Now, you can get an accurate picture of project costs—without having to switch over to the ERP to confirm. This robust, almost real-time connection between the two systems increases trust between the accounting and operations teams.
2. Grow executive confidence with accurate, real-time data
As accounting and operations teams gain better data visibility and build trust, that solid foundation extends to executive stakeholders. Executives need to know that their teams have confidence in the data that flows between otherwise siloed systems. The knowledge that everyone is working from the same documents and numbers—including ERP data—gives executive stakeholders trust in the information they need to feel confident in making big-picture decisions. For example, a key point of trust in a construction project is the visibility of change orders. Since changes are constant in construction, it’s helpful to know they’re in process before they hit the bottom line in financials. With a workflow that offers insights on costs as they are unfolding, executives know what to expect and can make more nimble decisions.
3. Reduce financial risk
An accurate, up-to-date flow of financial information reduces financial risk in construction projects. When you have a clear picture of change order costs, actuals, and other financial details along the way, you’ll encounter fewer financial surprises. In a traditional integration involving multiple systems, financial data might be slow to update, and any software changes might interrupt the connection between systems, causing confusion and a constant need for manual data entry and cross-checking. Our integration between Trimble Financial Management solutions and ProjectSight can significantly reduce those risks. With Trimble App Xchange, the flow of data between the two systems is seamless, allowing accountants and project managers to be confident that the info between ProjectSight and Trimble ERP is accurate.
Check out this webinar for an in-depth look at how Trimble's integrated approach to Accounting and Project Management can improve efficiency, enhance collaboration and help you meet your financial and accounting needs.
4. Scale up easily
Many construction project management solutions in today’s market are tailored to specific roles or company sizes. A solution might be a good fit for your organization in the short term, but as you grow, it lacks the capacity and functionality you need. Then, you have the headache of vetting new vendors, evaluating new solutions and retraining teams, risking interruptions in their work.
The Trimble solution suite is different. With ProjectSight and Trimble Financial Management solutions, your company can grow, and the software will scale with you all the way. Instead of managing three different disconnected systems, you’ll have access to a single support contact for all your troubleshooting questions. Share feedback and ideas for future updates and features, and we’ll listen.
From document management, field productivity, drawings, BIM, financials and more, we know your projects are unique and complex. ProjectSight gives you the customized tools and workflows you need to get organized in minutes, not months.
